Acquire Brain Injury Forum for London (ABIL)

September 28, 2012

As a personal injury lawyer acting on behalf of clients who have suffered an acquired brain injury, I am an active member of ABIL. This is a group of professionals, survivors of acquired brain injury and relatives and carers working to advance the brain injury agenda across London.

I attended the latest course this week, which was absolutely fascinating. There were a variety of speakers who each gave highly interesting talks on innovative and creative approaches to rehabilitation after an acquired brain injury. A senior music therapist spoke about and showed us, with examples, how music therapy can help to restore function in people with an acquired brain injury, such as physical, social and cognitive skills. There was also a speech therapist who told us about the wonderful results they have achieved by having a radio station within their neuro-rehabilitation centre which encourages patients to become involved in projects to help them improve their skills. The arts co-coordinator from Headway East London, provided an insight into how the artwork created by their members enables them to express their thoughts and feelings through art, which has proven to have positive results. As a member of the Board of Trustees for Headway East London myself, I have seen first hand the great work that is achieved through art.

Lastly, there was also a talk from a clinical psychologist, from Headway North London, who gave a very informative talk about the importance of psychological support for people with acquired brain injury. There was an opportunity to meet with the speakers after the course to discuss our different experiences which was also interesting and useful, and which is relevant to the type of work I specialise in.